Scott Thwaites hails Kiwi rival who pipped him to Commonwealth Games silver

SCOTT Thwaites has revealed how the rider that pipped him for the Commonwealth Games silver medal in the men’s road race helped him to a home victory in 2011.

The 24-year-old lost out in a sprint finish to New Zealand’s Jack Bauer, who had been his lead-out man when he won his first Otley Grand Prix in 2011.

“We were team-mates at Endura and he is a good guy," said Burley-in-Wharfedale's Thwaites. “He is a great rider and great to know off the bike too.

"If I had to lose to somebody, I am glad it was a great guy like Jack, who has helped me in the past as he did at Otley when we were team-mates.”

Thwaites, Bauer and race winner Geraint Thomas of Wales broke away to dominate after early leader Peter Kennaugh, from the Isle of Man, faded after his solo break from the start.

Steeton-born Thwaites, a former Ermysted's Grammar School pupil, admitted: “It was a hard race and only 12 riders finished. I am very pleased, any medal was a great result,” said Thwaites, who made up for missing out on a ride in the Tour de France with his team NetApp Endura.

He added: “As a team we had an open policy which enabled me to have a go and get on the break.

“It was a really tough race and I think it was good for me that I was fighting it out with two guys who had just come back from the Tour de France. I hope I showed that I can compete with the top riders at this level.”

The race was staged in torrential rain, which made it even more gruelling than expected. The weather wasn’t the only problem for the riders. The Glasgow city centre circuit had lots of different surfaces like cobbles, drain covers and bits of road with oil on them, as well as puddles.

The streets were also lined with huge crowds. “Despite the rain, the crowds were amazing,” said Thwaites. “They stayed out at the roadside for the entire race and gave great support to all the riders. It was also nice to have my family and friends there to cheer me on and see me get a medal.”

Thwaites, who is striving to win a contract for next season, rides in the London Classic this Sunday before heading off to Norway for a race in the Arctic Circle.

After that he will have his focus on the Tour of Britain as he hopes to win a place with a top team for 2015.

“I hope people have seen what I can do, and if I can get some more good results in the coming weeks that should help my cause,” said Thwaites. “The Games and the medal are amazing and I hope I can have more success in the future.”

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